Introduction / Context:
This item checks idiomatic preposition choice with the verb “suffer”. In standard usage, “suffer from” is followed by a condition or deficiency. Using “of” after “suffer” is non-idiomatic in this sense.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Clause: “programmes suffer … shortage of funds”.
- We need the correct preposition after “suffer”.
- “Shortage” is a countable/uncountable noun often used with the article “a” when singular (“a shortage”).
Concept / Approach:
- Use “suffer from + noun/condition”: “suffer from a shortage of funds”.
- Alternative structures: “face a shortage of funds”, “are short of funds”.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Spot the non-idiomatic phrase “suffer of shortage”.Replace with the idiomatic form: “suffer from a shortage”.The corrected sentence becomes: “We have observed that many good programmes suffer from a shortage of funds and other resources.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Check corpus-like intuition: “suffer from flu”, “suffer from lack of …” all take “from”.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A and B are grammatically fine.D completes the object phrase correctly.E is a general label and not a segment; the actual errant segment is C.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “suffer from” with “suffer” + direct object (“suffer hardship”), where no preposition is used.
Final Answer:
suffer of shortage
Discussion & Comments